A/N: Hello everyone! Welcome to this week's chapter. This one focuses heavily on Crusch, so I hope I was able to reproduce her dialog correctly and in a manner that is realistic. Thank you all for the continued support! You all make releasing these chapter something I joyously look forward to every week! I've been moving into a new house this past week so things have been quiet hectic with change, and publishing this story has been a rock of familiarity to me.
Enough about author-san though, enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 91: The Lion in the Room
It was well into the afternoon now as Rem and YN returned to the Karsten Manor. As they entered, the main Gate was left open, and a large, ornate carriage was being prepared for departure.
Walking up and by it, was Wilhelm who was seeing off a man dressed like someone of high status, but clearly not a noble. Keeping their distance, they wished to speak to Wilhelm but did not want to be rude and interpret the conversation he was having with the departing guest.
Rem: There has been a great deal of comings and goings from Crusch-sama's residence as of late.
YN: I don't seem to recall it from the previous loop... But I do remember her being pretty occupied with her own matters. I assumed it was from her own camp doing its best to succeed in the Selection.
Rem: Perhaps, but Rem has witnessed many colleagues and business contacts that have also met with Roswaal-sama in the past. Those under the professions of bankers, arms dealers, and other notable socialites.
YN: 'Bankers and arms dealers?'
For a moment, YN couldn't understand why it was that Crusch would need to be meeting with all these people unless she was planning something ambitious.
I don't think she'd coup the throne. That would be fairly unwise from anyone who wasn't Emilia.
Watching as the man entered his carriage, he shot a gaze to YN as he shut the door. Something instantly it seemed rubbed YN the wrong way about him.
As the carriage departed, Wilhelm approached them, welcoming them back.
Wilhelm: I trust you both enjoyed your midday stroll around the various noble's gardens and facades.
YN: Yeah, you could say that.
Seeing something different in him, Wilhelm sought to pry more on the matter.
Him and Subaru-dono both have eyes that have seen death, but now something new accompanies that in YN-dono's...
Wilhelm: If I may be so bold, it appears that there's something deeply troubling you at this current moment.
Coming right out and saying it, Wilhelm questioned YN on what he saw in him.
But, knowing he stood little chance of successfully lying to the elderly gentleman about what was on his mind, YN kept his answer vague.
YN: Oh, it's just some uhhh, worries I have. It would be hard to explain the reasoning.
With what little information YN let out, Wilhelm still built his approach off of what YN said.
Wilhelm: While Crusch-sama has asked me not to trouble myself with the... 'dragonless carriage' that you had used just yesterday, I couldn't help but notice it was missing this morning while you were still present in the Manor.
As Wilhelm made his guess, he assumed the only thing YN would have a hard time explaining would be the self propelled carriage he had ownership over, and with that missing now, it was the only thing of relevance he could come up with.
YN: O-Oh, that.
Somewhat relieved it wasn't going to be pressured for more sensitive information, he felt his nerves relax.
I guess it's safe to be honest here, not like it would really affect anything...,
Scratching the back of his head, YN explained.
YN: Subaru sort of uhhh, took it without permission.
Seeing the elderly gentleman raise his brow at such a thing being so lightly said, Rem stepped forward to explain.
Rem: It is our belief Subaru-kun feared for Emilia-sama's safety and in lieu of there being no ground dragon carriages available, used that to return preemptively to Roswaal-sama's mansion.
Wilhelm: To think Subaru-dono could be moved to petty thievery...
Not wishing to doubt Subaru had his reasonings though, he looked sternly at the two before him.
Wilhelm: You also mentioned that he feared for Emilia-sama's safety, why is this?
Looking at each other, Rem and YN both knew that their knowledge of a Witch Cult attack on the village of Arlem and the Mansion would need to be shared, but with that statement they would also need to explain how they had come to learn that.
Letting YN take that though, Rem nodded to him, offering all the help she could with her belief in him.
YN: As far fetched as it sounds, Subaru became aware of there being an imminent Witch Cult plot in the Mathers Domain.
Turning away from them, Wilhelm replied.
Wilhelm: It seems the rumblings of the Cult being more active is more severe then we had anticipated. Of course that makes sense when you account for the Whale's activity as well...
Mumbling his thoughts aloud, the elderly gentleman turned back towards them.
Wilhelm: In regards to the thrift of your property that was under the protection of Crusch-sama, I would ask you to accompany me to her for retribution for it. As her honored guests and on her Honor, this is something she will not tolerate lightly having happened under her direct jurisdiction. As for the matter with the Witch Cult... she will also need to hear about this.
Gesturing for them to follow him, Rem and YN walked behind him, hand in hand.
Giving Rem a side look though, she gave him one as well as she stood to his right, letting her one viable eye convey her own thoughts to him.
Maybe Crusch can help us... If Wilhelm's own reaction to this is any hope, we might have gotten ourselves closer to saving everyone.
Crusch: It's utterly unacceptable that this happened.
Sat at her desk, Crusch's family's coat of arms was plainly visible behind her as the meeting between the two camps now took place.
Crusch: Since the exotic carriage was under my own care, I take full responsibility for our lapse in security.
Rem: —C-Crusch-sama, if Rem may.
Surprised to hear Crusch own up to an action YN and Rem both felt she wasn't at fault for, the blue haired maid wished to quell such flamboyant declarations.
Rem: The car— er, self propelled carriage was taken by one of our own camp members. Surely there is no fault of Crusch-sama's own there.
Resting her folded hands on the desk, Crusch's amber eyes stood out starkly against her boreal green hair, but matched the crowned lion insignia behind her.
Crusch: While that may be true, it was Subaru who was placed under Ferris' care, and by extension, my own as a person receiving treatment here.
Looking directly at YN now, she continued.
Crusch: —And I shan't forget Emilia herself denied him being a confidant of her own, so under my own assumption, his actual membership to your camp is under question.
Sat in a negotiating chair that was positioned perpendicular to Crusch's own desk, YN had Rem to his flank, standing to the side of him.
Crusch: As such though, I am prepared to compensate you as well as I can at this moment in time, and I hope that you're able to please forgive that given these most current... circumstances, that may need to be delayed.
Sitting up straight to reply, YN voiced his response.
YN: I can understand. While I don't believe it's lost to me for good, it does put us back in an already tense situation we face.
Nodding at his words, Crusch acknowledged them.
Crusch: Yes, I believe Wilhelm was made aware, but I've heard it's quite serious.
Gesturing to the elderly gentleman who had chosen to post up the door to her business room, Wilhelm bowed slightly when addressed before he spoke.
Wilhelm: Yes. It appears the whispers of Witch Cult activity in the Mather's Domain are true, and they intend to act very soon.
Crusch: The Witch's Cult? I see... It seems Emilia being publicly declared a Candidate, as well the Margrave's sponsorship has earned a great deal of backlash. That was to be expected though.
Slightly irked that Crusch could just so casually wave off such a dark sentiment like that, YN held his tongue to focus on more crucial matters.
YN: It's our own belief that Subaru traveled with the usage of my dragonless carriage to try and warn Emilia-sama and those that could be affected by the Witch Cult's hostilities.
Felix: What could he hope to accomplish on his own? It's not like Subawu can do much of anything, especially with his Gate still damaged.
Speaking up now to Crusch's own flank, was Felix.
YN: That's why we need to try and tail him as soon as we can. It'll be troublesome if we're delayed. We intend to—
Wishing to say he wanted to form an evacuation plan and using that point to draw in some potential assistance from Crusch, his words were cut off.
Felix: Just how do mew knyow about the Witch Cult's movements though? It also seems odd you'd expect to be delayed on your way there... Almost like you're expecting the Lifaus Highway to be shut down—
Wilhelm: Ferris-dono. Are you insinuating that YN-dono not only is privy to the Witch Cult's activities, but also has information about the White Whale's movements? Just what would you base your suspensions on?
Even as Wilhelm defended him, YN scrunched his pant legs in his hands as he looked down at the ground with a nervous aura. He was caught off guard by the sudden questions relayed to him.
Crusch: Why not ask him for ourselves, Ferris. YN, in addition to knowing of the Witch Cult's whereabouts, are you also familiar with any potential issues that may arise from mist on the Lifaus Plains?
Shit... I can't lie here. Any slip up could cost us dearly. I just need to be honest that I know, but I cannot say anything further.
YN: That... is true...
Shocked to hear it, Wilhelm and Ferris both opened their eyes wide at the prospect of YN knowing such things.
While Wilhelm viewed it as a sheer opportunity that his goal was in sight, Ferris instead took it in the most negative way possible.
Felix: I'm sorry, but Ferri cannot overlook such closely related coincidences. What is your connection to the Witch Cult that has allowed mew to know so much? Huh?! Out with it—!
Crusch: —Ferris!
Felix: Crusch-sama! Surely mew too feel it's unnatural for someone like him to know such things regarding the Witch's Cult! He has to be some runaway or—!
Rem: Rem would ask Ferris-sama to retract that statement.
Once more speaking in her low and cold, formal tongue, Rem glared at the demi-human who was slandering the name of the one who held her heart.
Pointing at YN, Felix demanded an answer.
Felix: Then he should outright deny his involvement!
Rem: YN-kun has Rem's utmost faith, for him to be a Cultist is no more impossible than Crusch-sama to be.
Felix: Just what is that supposed to mean!? Are mew saying that—?!
Crusch: Enough.
Just as voices were beginning to be raised, Crusch silenced everyone with a single gesture of her raised hand.
Crusch: There are easier ways to solve this, we can simply ask. YN—,
Looking directly back at him, YN felt what he thought was a breeze rush by him as Crusch's amber eyes seemed to pierce into his very soul.
Crusch: —you're not a member of the Witch's Cult, are you?
Bluntly asking him something she knew was impossible, her word choice more than anything was the cause of Rem's own mounting frustration. Her teeth silently grinding though, Rem was reminded of when she herself had asked something very similar to YN in perhaps one the loops she was most ashamed of.
At very least, YN-kun isn't being tortured for his answers...
While this time the question posed to him didn't involve a lashing of a chain, Rem worried what sort of ill memories it might invoke in YN upon hearing it.
YN: No, I am not.
Bluntly answering Crusch though, she closed her eyes and accepted it, but where she was content, her knight was not.
Felix: That doesn't explain how mew knyow these things though! Tell us right nyow just how it was that—!
Crusch: Ferris.
Turning her gaze to her knight, she did not speak in a way that hinted at punishment, but rather one that offered relief and piece of mind.
Crusch: Neither when asked if he truly knew about the Mist, or just now, did YN lie.
Looking to Wilhelm, she continued.
Crusch: —nor has he the entire time we've been speaking of this.
Crossing her arms, her word seems to drive home the point to both of her confidants in the room, as they both accepted it as absolute fact.
Crusch: Now then. I'd like to bring the conversation back to the matter at hand. Rem, YN—
As Rem stiffened her back, and YN sat up straight once more, the Duchess addressed them.
Crusch: Given the hardships that the loss of your self propelled carriage has caused you when taking into account the current situation, the most I am able to offer at this point is a chartered ride, however, there is a limitation.
Rem: And those would be?
Crusch: The carriage is a supply coach for our current operation in the area, and is only going as far as Fluer. From there though, you should have better luck securing transportation to Arlem. Carriages will still be scarce, but once you're out of the Capitol's direct influence, they'll be available, but at a significant price gouge for safe travel.
Rem: That should not pose a problem. Rem has been given provisional funds by Roswaal-sama for just such a situation as this.
Crusch: That is fortunate. For now though—
Speaking warmly to Rem as if relieved they were prepared, she turned her gaze back to YN, and folded her hands on her desk once more.
Crusch: —this is all I can offer as retribution for the delay the theft has caused you, as for compensation for the actual theft itself, I would request if you would be alright with waiting until I am less busy. From there I am sure I can reward you with something worthy as collateral.
Knowing now was his opportunity, YN steeled his nerves for what he was going to ask for. With a deep breath, he felt Rem's hand gently lay on his shoulder, silently giving him strength.
I have to do this for Ram, Emilia, and everyone else that's going to be hurt.
YN: Crusch-sama, if I may, I believe you are currently in possession of something that may be more than enough as repayment.
Crusch: Oh? And that would be?
YN: If you could spare even a few carriages to rush to Arlem for an evacuation, that would be repayment a thousand times over. I would even go as far to offer you my Dragonless Carriage itself in exchange for the assistance.
With everyone in the room opening their eyes wide at such a proposal, the only one who kept their composure besides the one who had asked, was Crusch.
Crusch: I would be more than willing to agree to such terms if this would be that important to you, however, rather than your self propelled carriage, I would request something different entirely.
Feeling Rem's gentle hand on his shoulder tense up as the Duchess spoke, an almost sinister smile crept across her face.
Crusch: In exchange for providing a full evacuation of those under threat of the Witch's Cult in the Mather's Domain, my camp would seek the formal withdrawal of Emilia in the Royal Selection.
Rem: —hk!
As Rem was greatly stunned at Crusch so boldly requesting such a massive ultimatum, YN remained unmoved by the dramatism in her words.
Yeah... I had these Candidates pegged for this kind of behavior from the get-go...
Still lamenting the fact that people who would ask for such underhanded things were in the running to rule the lands he now considered home with Rem, YN was left entirely unsurprised that it had come to this. Even as it seemed the entire atmosphere of the room changed, he was simply too jaded by his shock in the Conference only a few days ago.
Such a low caliber of rulership... it's not even daunting anymore. It's just so uninspired.
YN: I'm sorry, Crusch-sama, but that is non-negotiable. I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but as someone who is a member of Emilia-sama's camp, I believe it is her who is best suited to lead the Kingdom. Not only is it not my place to make such a decision, but it's also against my best interests.
Looking up at Rem, she knew exactly what he had meant by the last part of his reply.
Even faced with such odds, YN-kun still prioritizes his future with Rem...
As Rem's cheeks garnered a hair of scarlet to them, Crusch replied, as if expecting that exact answer of YN's.
Crusch: You say that it is against your 'best interests,' but isn't securing the lives of so many of your friends and family your most immediate interest? Should by some way Emilia win, would it be worth the lives lost that she herself could not protect?
Slowly shaking his head, YN closed his eyes and answered.
YN: That's not it at all. What you just said there proves what I had begun to think.
Crusch: I'm curious to know what you think. Indulge me.
Opening his eyes, despite the lingering fatigue his statement Gate still gave him, YN felt a fire grow in intensity inside him.
YN: You never really intended on using Emilia's withdrawal as a real bargaining chip in this discussion. Your previous statements for what aid you're willing to lend and your continued confident air only leads to one conclusion.
Crusch: And why do you think that? Wouldn't removing her from the competition be to my advantage?
As if somewhat amused with YN, her tone only sought to make his head lower as he struggled to hold the anger he felt in his chest from creeping into his words.
YN: Because you feel she'll simply fail on her own, so why exhaust any amount of your own resources towards that?
Closing her eyes in response, Crusch smiled to herself as if truly entertained by this conversation.
It has been awhile since someone could match my words like this.
Letting herself linger in thought for only a moment, she nodded as if confirming his accusation.
Crusch: That is exactly my strategy. I congratulate you on noticing so quickly.
YN: — — —
Feeling his patience begin to run thin, YN had wanted to look to Rem for support here, but found himself knowing that would make him appear weak. Instead, his attention was needed for holding his tongue should he say anything that may hurt his chances of recovering from this position.
With a silence between them growing however, it was obvious he was frustrated, and Crusch sought now to capitalize on that.
Crusch: You seem to have expected this conclusion, yet you also act as though it doesn't make the slightest bit of sense for me to answer this way.
Having to respond now, YN let a crack form in the dam that was his better judgment, the one thing that held back his flood of words. His astonishment of her actions fueled the frenzy his mind was having trying to understand it all.
YN: Is that confidence of yours not formed from actions and decisions where you've shown yourself to be the bigger person? Would it not be advantageous to just simply publicly put down Emilia while making yourself look strong?
Becoming further and further upset, the fissure grew.
YN: What kind of prospective king would just let an entire village be wiped off the map?!
As his voice began to raise, it was Rem's hand on his shoulder reaffirming her presence and her shared frustration that got him to halt his anger. Like a bandage over the crack that was about to burst, Rem prevented YN from ruining the entire negotiations.
Smirking as if amused by his state, the Duchess looked down upon YN as his lowered head raised just slightly upward enough to see past his brow, pleading for an explanation he didn't understand.
YN: Just what is your goal here?
With a low tone, it was one that rang with defeat, and hearing this, Crusch used her response as a victory march.
Crusch: My goal is higher than it seems you're capable of understanding. I plan to focus my strength to take on something that is responsible for far more deaths that would occur in a hundred Witch Cult attacks on defenseless villages.
In rare contrast, Crusch now stood, and turned with her back facing YN, and looked up at the large Lion insignia behind her that hung on her mantelpiece. Crowned, it was regally adorned in gold and ribbons, cementing an aura of prestige.
Crusch: It is not a goal of glory, more so I intend to do what I can to help the Realm, —my homeland, my Kingdom, the most.
Putting a hand over her chest, Crusch bowed her head as she turned back to face YN.
Crusch: It is a foe mighty enough it should warrant the Dragon's attention. But where is he? Where has he been for the past four hundred years it has roamed these lands? As it laid waste to so many and destroyed so much, why has the Dragon refused to show itself against this foe?
As the hand over her chest turned into a fist, conviction like none other entered her words.
Crusch: We must defeat it. I must show it's something I can do. —We can do. I must use this opportunity to prove we do not need the Dragon to thwart these threats. We will stand tall.
Looking down at YN still, as she softened her expression, Crusch finalized her point.
Crusch: It is entirely within the Kingdom's power to save the village you seek protection for, no one doubts that, but this may be my only chance to prove we do not need the Dragon.
With a callback to her Statement of Conviction that she had voiced during the Conference, the arrogance and selfishness it seemed she would allow to grow simply to prove her point is what disgusted YN the most.
But through this new level of emotion in regards to the Duchess's methods, YN's mind cleared, and allowed him to see one critical point.
YN: You are aware Subaru and I are wayards from far off lands, and while we know little of the Dragon; it's history and the customs surrounding it, I must ask something.
Crusch: To critique one's enemy, one must be knowledgeable of it beforehand. And as I am a Candidate as well, I must be familiar with the lore and history regarding the Dragon. You may ask me anything on it.
Feeling as if she was beginning to win YN over to her reasoning with how he had phrased his request to her, he flipped her entire platform over on its head.
YN: You claim you are only capable of either saving the village, or fighting this foe you speak of. Given even my limited understanding of the Dragon and the real, historical challenges it has faced, it would be no small task for it to accomplish both things. Which leaves me wondering—
Making direct eye contact with her, YN struck his first constructive blow of the negotiations.
YN: —what does that say about your own strength in comparison?
Crusch: — — —
While Crusch maintained her own composure, both Felix and Wilhelm looked to her with eyes of question. How could she respond to that?
Crusch: ...Why are you so fixated on this Witch Cult attack? Certainly you can surmount what the greater threat to the Kingdom is here. Is it merely vengeance that you feel towards them?
As she spoke low in reply to YN, he lifted his chin back up, and boldly proclaimed her guess to be correct.
YN: Yes. It is vengeance. Vengeance for all they've done to wrong me, and—
Looking up to Rem, YN continued.
YN: —those that are special to me.
Turning back to Crusch, he finished his answer.
YN: I won't stop at anything to make sure they can't get away with what they're trying to do.
Crusch: Ha.
Taking her seat once more, she leaned back in her chain and crossed her arms as if she had just become ultimately victorious.
Crusch: You've just proven exactly why I shouldn't assist you in this matter.
Dumbfounded how she could come to such a conclusion, YN silently tilted his head in reply, his brow raised.
Crusch: You mentioned you had a great belief in Emilia that she would be the best ruler for the Kingdom. Did you not?
YN: I did. I won't deny that. —But I don't understand what that has to do with—
Crusch: —Never once did you mention you wanted to save Emilia from the Witch Cult.
YN: —tch.
Swallowing hard on the realization, YN had at least thought that notion was implied at the very least, but—
I guess that does make my reasoning here look very biased. Shit...
Crusch: While you may question my strength versus the Dragon, I would question just how deep that belief of yours in Emilia is.
Leaning forward, the Duchess once more folded her hands on her desk, and looked at YN as if she were naming his crimes, and speaking as if he were on trial.
Crusch: You trample any belief you have in her by turning to others with power, just as this kingdom has done with the Dragon. What's worse, is that you further trample that belief in her by not even prioritizing her safety.
Sitting back up straight, Crusch felt as if she'd finally trumped the groundskeeper, that in frustration he'd shown his true nature, and using that against him, she had gained the upper hand, yet—
YN: No, you're completely right when you say I'm more concerned about the other's safety before Emilia-sama. But, I don't trample on my belief in her by coming before you, or anyone else for that matter to fulfill that notion.
Crusch: In what way is that even possible?
Seriously doubting he could even convince himself he had a point here, Crusch let YN explain.
YN: Emilia-sama would want me to be concerned with everyone else before her. She'd want me to get help to save everyone, even if it meant hurting her standing.
Crusch: You only revel in your weakness by saying such things.
YN: 'Revel' in it? We have no other choice but to embrace it.
Lifting a brow to his off-key response, YN went on.
YN: All the other Candidates are established in their power. You, for example, are a Duchess. Priscilla? She's an elite and landed noble. Not to mention Anastasia is the wealthiest business tycoon there is. Emilia-sama and Felt-chan are the only odd ones out, but even Felt as the world's strongest man in her camp.
Putting a hand to his chest, YN continued.
YN: But Emilia-sama's camp? We have nothing. We're a ragtag group with no real strength other than Roswaal, and he's seemingly dropped the ball in terms of protecting one small village.
Turning that hand into a fist, he finished his speech with a great determination on his voice.
YN: It's our strength to seek out help, and use that to save everyone. That's something you can't do. You can only be so strong on your own... and that's the weakness of someone who lives that way, it will make them falter eventually.
Halfway expecting her to berate him based on his words just now, Crusch was forced to acknowledge that she was at least incorrect on one notion of hers, causing her to close her eyes and faintly smile in amusement.
Crusch: Perhaps I am mistaken on the depth of your belief in Emilia, but—
Opening her eyes once more, she regained her composure.
Crusch: Just where does that belief stem from originally? While clearly deeper then one might expect, it has an air of recency to it.
While she was correct, YN let the Duchess continue.
Crusch: I wonder, does it come from the strengths you see in her, or just because she's an alternative to the other Candidates?
Caught off guard by her words, he couldn't exactly say she was wrong, but to admit that to her would be a sure sign of opportunism on his part.
Crusch: You were clearly disturbed by the Candidate's speeches, mine included.
YN: — — —
Speechless, YN couldn't respond to that.
But, doubling down on her own belief in herself, Crusch leaned forward once more, a half smile of opportunity on her face.
Crusch: While I am still very much convinced of my own strengths being the correct ones needed for the Kingdom, I know there are many others just like you who doubt me and prefer the other Candidates.
Matching YN in eye contact, she proposed her reasoning.
Crusch: As this is a selection, I will need to sway the people to my own ways. And I'd like to start with you, if possible.
YN: I think it's fairly obvious where I stand now.
Crusch: You do not always need to convince people that your process is the best, for most, simply the outcome being to their satisfaction is enough.
Rem: What Crusch-sama is implying...
With a small croak in her voice after staying silent for so long, Rem had correctly guessed before YN what the Duchess was getting at.
Crusch: Perhaps I might be interested after all in assisting you with the Witch Cult attack. All you would have to do is disavow Emilia, leave her camp, and come join mine.
While Rem had guessed it, still the shock of surprise at Crusch actually saying it had caught her off guard nonetheless. And while YN was also surprised to hear it, his shock was muted by the audacity of her proposal.
Crusch: Of course, this offer would extend to Rem as well. I implore you to consider it. You can save the village, and still live up to that belief you have in Emilia— that she would want you to save others before herself... Or—
Sitting back once more, an almost dark impression wrapped around the Duchess.
Crusch: —you can suffer in search of someone else in hopes that they'll come and save you, much like most of this Kingdom does with their faith in the Dragon.
Drawing a parallel once more to her platform and how it inflicted their own negotiations, YN was left for a third time without a way to reply, and this included Rem as well.
Wilhelm: Crusch-sama, I believe this has gone on far too long now.
Finally voicing his own view, Crusch nodded in agreement.
Crusch: Yes, you are correct, Wilhelm. We're at an impasse anyway.
Looking directly at YN, a gaze of contempt seemed to cross her face.
Crusch: I know the answer to my question already. We're through here.
Standing up, she straightened her military-officer-style overcoat.
Crusch: Wilhelm will show you to the carriage that I mention. Again, it will take you as far as Fluer and no further. I wish safe travels and success in your endeavor. Ferris.
Felix: Yes, Crusch-sama.
Following her lead, the demi-human accompanied the Duchess out of the business chamber.
As Rem and YN waited for them to depart, Wilhelm sighed as he looked upon both of them with a sympathetic face.
Wilhelm: I thank you for staying as reserved as you were. I could see a great frustration in both of your eyes.
Shrugging, YN felt defeated nonetheless.
YN: Getting mad wouldn't have helped anything.
Rem: We are guests of Crusch-sama all the same. We are still thankful for, and can still hold the slightest amount of hope thanks to her choice to lend us a carriage.
Wilhelm: If I may be so bold to say, please, reconsider leaving.
Somewhat surprised to hear the gentleman say that, YN raised a brow to it, prompting Wilhelm to elaborate.
Wilhelm: All that you will experience if you two go to face the Cult alone is death, I'm sure of it. They should not be underestimated, even if you retain information on their organization.
Shaking his head, YN solemnly replied.
YN: We unfortunately don't have a choice... I don't think either of us could fathom what it would be like to live the rest of our lives with that sort of weight on our shoulders...
Wilhelm: Unfortunately, I must say I can understand the sentiment. Regardless, the need to leave is soon, so I would ask you to gather your belongings and make haste to the stables. We'll need to take a short trip to one of Crusch-sama's other properties where the carriage that will take you as far as Fluer will depart from.
Rem: Yes, Wilhelm-sama, we shall be ready shortly.
Bowing as she said that, the gentleman took his leave with a bow in return.
Being left alone in this room now, Rem walked around to where YN sat and offered her hand. Helping up the one who held her heart, he immediately embraced her in a tight hug. Fully aware he was frustrated in himself for not being able to secure help, Rem held him back just as tightly.
Whatever lies in store for Rem, she will do what she must for the sake of YN-kun and the next [Rem] to have a happy ending.
As she thought this to herself though, only a pain grew in her heart.
Rem will do all that she can until then though. If needed, Rem will make sure that YN-kun remembers this Rem if that is all she can hope for...
With a goal to help YN as much as she could from the bottom of her heart, Rem took him by the hand, and led him off like she always would, to prepare for their departure.
